Diabetes Insulin Pump Questions & Answers #1

[heberfenderful]

I always ask questions to persons like you, because you experience it and live it. Anyway, my brother was diagnosed with type 1...and whats the procedures to get this. Cost?...thats all..also is there like a modern one with technology and stuff...thanks you...

[MellarkHolly]

Hey Bill,

I've got a friend with Type 1 diabetes that uses the pump. I'd like to know more about what I need to know as his friend. What can I do to help him? What should I understand? Thanks so much for the help :)

[MyMusic905]

Dear 1HappyDiabetic,

My question is if your thinking about getting a pump and you just got diagnose. how long should you wait before starting a pump?

thanks

[1HappyDiabetic]

@MyMusic905

Thanks for the questoin. It a really good one too that many people have. The honest answer is that everyone is different and their diabetic needs are different too. It really up to your healthcare team when you both feel you are ready.

Of course I am not a medical professional but I would do a few things before I would go on a pump. I would try to be the best carb counter I could be, do research and TALK to people who are on pumps now. Ask them what they DONT like about

[1HappyDiabetic]

Their insulin pump.

I am a strong supporter of insulin pumps and diabetes technology. However adding another tool to your diabetes tool box can be just another thing you need to learn how to use. Might be overwhelming for some.

SO I am sorry I can't give you a specific answer, it's really a personal choice that you and your Heathcare team should make together. Ask your doctor what they think. Another good thing might be to contact one of the insulin pump res for a pump demo.

[kseProductions11D2]

love you video& the secont one

would love to see more!

[lkushha1]

Thank you so much for the reply.. and i WILL look it up :) u know what ? your video has another advantage maybe you are not aware of! it brings us togother no matter what our back ground is . we share the same big thing and that break all boundries :)

[lkushha1]

Dear 1HappyDiabetic,

I just wonder how u manage to be happy with this daily battle!! iam diabetic since 2001 and i really dont feel happy :( and about the pump? have you ever heard if that any brand that seels in the middle east?? iam really striving to have one but here in Jordan.. we still dont have it.. although there is a big potential market here..

[1HappyDiabetic]

Medtronic sells pumps to the middle east.

Look it up, for some reason it won't let me post the link. Keep your head up, it's there.

You can only be happy with your Diabetes until you accept your diabetes. It takes years. It took me like 12-15 years to accept it. And still I struggle.

I found out that being mad about my diabetes never helped me, but being courious and psoitive I had better mental results.

Best of Luck

[NewenglandsJeep]

@lkushha1 Don't worry, I have had type 1 diabetes sense 1977 and got it when I was 11 months old. I just like you am not happy with it. I started my insulin pump almost 2 years ago and I think it is better than the alternatives.

But it still stinks! All the checking, all the paperwork, all the tests, all the dr. visits. IT NEVER ENDS! :-( Find a cure please for this disease!

[Gabbyellaaa]

Hey,

i have one Qs, do you happen to know how long you have to wait to up grade to a newer insulin pump in Australia ??

thanksssssssssssssssssssssssss­s

[1HappyDiabetic]

No I don't. In the US it's 4 years. Hopefully it's in the same ballpark

[computernerd2085]

What kind of trouble were you getting into?

[1HappyDiabetic]

Well... how can I say this. I've done about 35 videos on youtube and have had to take down 7 of them. Some companies and people out there don't want my "opinion" on "content" to be viewed or shared. It has hurt my professional career by doing these videos. Sad but true. So I have to be very careful on what I say, and about what products I discuss. So it has limited my content and took down my sails a bit on making videos. But I'm not stopping, just doing less.

[DiabetesGirl3145]

Whoever said that they don't want your "opinion" is really stupid. I am sorry that your vids were getting you into trouble. I hope that everything clears up for you.

[computernerd2085]

What happened to your pump comparison video?

[1HappyDiabetic]

Sorry I took them down. I didn't feel the information I gave was the most accurate. I didn't want to mislead anyone. I was getting in more trouble for those videos than good. Sorry :-(

[puggysue7]

hi my name is chloe and i am diabetic and im 9 years old and i was wondering how do chech your suger in the night

[1HappyDiabetic]

Chloe,  The only way to do that without waking up is using a COntinous Glucose Monitor. It gives readings every few minutes.

[jWilko88]

im getting a pump next week! im kinda excited but also nervous

[hayleyxxxgosselin32]

hey! how is your pump? i got my pump when i was 8. i have had diabetes since i was 2. the first time i got my pump i almost cried because the sight was actually painful when my mom put it in my stomach. but im used to it now but i hate being a diabetic!!

[1HappyDiabetic]

I feel ya man. I can't remember the last time I was like " I love my Diabetes"  it more like a pet monster I have with me that says "No sugar for you!!!" then hits me with a Low. Well the hardest part is to stay positive, it's only as big of a deal as you make it. Good luck my man, thanks for your comment and PUMP AWAY!!!!

[1HappyDiabetic]

Good luck. Be sure to keep up with the schedule of eating and checking sugars early on with your pump so you can get the proper adjustments for your insulin pump as soon a s possible.

[jackie292929]

hi Bill! thanks for the quick reply... we are going on the anamis 2020 pump (don't have a great deal of choice here in Canada) as for the type of insertion...it is 45 degree set...being as he is pretty small and lean is what they said. All I know at this point we have to do it manually.. (we are still pump illiterate..lol)

thanks again, jac and kenz!

[1HappyDiabetic]

Jac and Kenz, Glad to hear from you guys again. I don't have any of those types of "infusion sets" (inserter set). I use the 90 degree ones becasue I have a few more pounds on me. Like you said the 45 degree sets are for skinner/younger diabetiecs out there with less body fat.

Getting used to how "large" the needle is can be scary. It's rather large for a 45 degree set. So there can be a fear factor there in the begining to have to insert a larger needle into your body...

[1HappyDiabetic]

Not to worry we all have been there. The other thing about doing an insertion for the first time is that you might feel the "canula" (whats left after the injection) in your body for a few minutes.  Nothing big, but its a different feeling then a shot so you know what to expect. I am sure the doctor will go over proper techique and everything will be great. I personally don't feel my infusion set on me, it's just like a band-aid for me, you feel the sticky part if you move. The pain after..

[1HappyDiabetic]

the manual injection part can sting and have some pain in my experience for 30 seconds to a few minutes. Just like a shot, sometimes you don't even feel it, sometimes you do. Over all the benefit from having to change these sets every 3 days for me is a great advantage. It's like having to do a shot twice a week! I wish you guys the best of luck. The 2020 is a great pump and sooo small. Waterproof to boot! - This is not medical advice, just a response from my own experiences :-)

[jackie292929]

hi Bill, my son (type 1 for little over a year he is 13) and I watch your videos all the time. My son is going on a pump next month, and we have to learn to "manually" insert the set. (i think i said that right) He has seen you do needles and set changes with inserters, but we can find one that is manual...he wondered if you might do one for him....it would sure help a lot..

thanks Jac and kenz

[1HappyDiabetic]

Jac & Kenz, So glad you like the videos that means a lot. I would love to help you out an do a video. I'm just not sure what type you are talking about. Feel free to send me a message about the Brand of Pump and/or the type of insertion set. Some sets are 45 degree some are 90 degree. I am "guessing" it might be a 45 degree set. Let me know and I might be able to help.

[Blackuyuyi]

Brilliant mate, great video, the mans a star. Thanks man.